Taco Bell withdraws Mexican lettuce from its U.S. restaurants; outbreak of "explosive diarrhea" is related to the vegetable, according to FDA

Taco Bell has removed iceberg lettuce supplied by a Mexican supplier from its U.S. restaurants after federal health officials linked the product to a nationwide outbreak of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection causing severe diarrhea. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that the outbreak is associated with pre-shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell locations in five states. The company announced the removal of the lettuce from its supply chain following internal assessments, though no official recall notice was issued. The outbreak has affected more than 1,664 individuals who reportedly consumed food at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. According to the CDC, there have been 94 hospitalizations linked to the illness. Symptoms include frequent and severe diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight, abdominal distension, nausea, fatigue, low-grade fever, and vomiting. Health authorities are working directly with the supplier to determine whether the contaminated lettuce was distributed beyond these states. The CDC noted they are also investigating other cases of cyclosporiasis across the country that are unrelated to this specific outbreak. The supplier identified by the CDC is Taylor Farms, a major agricultural company based in Mexico. The FDA and CDC confirmed that the infected lettuce came from a single supplier in Mexico. Taco Bell released a statement on Friday through its LinkedIn page stating that it takes consumer health and safety seriously and had already removed the supplier from its supply chain. The company said the replacement of the lettuce supplier would occur within 24 hours. The decision followed internal evaluations and collaboration with public health agencies to ensure the safety of its products. Health officials emphasized that the investigation into the outbreak is ongoing. They are examining the supply chain to trace how the contamination occurred and prevent further spread of the disease. The CDC has urged consumers who may have fallen ill after eating at Taco Bell locations during the affected period to seek medical attention and report their symptoms to local health departments. Public health experts are monitoring the situation closely to assess the broader impact of the outbreak. The outbreak has raised concerns among health professionals and the public about food safety practices in the fast-food industry. Cyclosporiasis is typically transmitted through contaminated water or food, often due to undercooked or improperly washed produce. While the parasite can cause serious illness, it is treatable with antibiotics. However, the prolonged nature of the symptoms, often lasting weeks, can lead to dehydration and malnutrition, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. In response to the outbreak, the FDA has intensified inspections of food suppliers and is reviewing protocols for handling leafy greens. The agency is also collaborating with state and local health departments to monitor new cases and provide guidance on preventing future outbreaks. Meanwhile, Taco Bell has pledged to work with regulators to identify the root cause of the contamination and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The company has not yet commented publicly on the specific actions taken to address the issue, but it has assured customers that its priority remains the health and safety of its patrons.